In 2019, Skillet's frontman John Cooper started a journey of sharing truth in today's culture through a series of social media posts. While he was initially unsure if anyone wanted to hear this from him, the response he received answered that question with a resounding yes. He is taking his journey of speaking about truth a step further with a book that is set to release at the end of 2020. In this episode, we flashback to episode 12 where John talks about the social media posts and then hear from John about his new book.

This Thanksgiving episode features Dove Award-winning artist Jordan Feliz. Jordan's eyes were not focused on the top of the charts when he wrote his latest album, his task was to put out the best work he could. Nevertheless, the single "Glorify" has landed at the top of the charts. Jordan discusses the process of the album and the heart behind a pair of the leading songs. Jordan shares how he and his family go hard for Christmas, and why he is not likely to release a Christmas album.

In this installment of the Next Big Thing episodes, we are introduced to Seth and Jenna of Him + Her Worship. Their latest album was finished as they were stuck on the road during lockdowns. We get to know this new artist and their journey around the country in their 13ft trailer.

In 2010, Sanctus Real released a song called 'Lead Me' which took CCM by storm. The heart of the song is a wife asking her husband to lead her and the family, which is part of a real experience from the band's frontman at the time, Matt Hammitt. The message of the song landed deep on Matt's heart, so much so that he left the band to live out the song. In 2020, he released a book co-written by his wife that is open and raw with all the experiences around that song. He also talks about the story of Bowen's Heart, a journey with his son Bowen and the health complications he's had in his childhood.

Before we had any idea as to what season was ahead of us, Citizens had the idea to record songs with nothing more than their phones and acoustic instruments. Fast forward, these phone demos would become a picture of what many churches were facing. We chat about the full album 'The Joy of Being' along with some fun anecdotes from small hometowns.

In a season that's hit these brothers hard, Shawn and Michael from Manic Drive have released two songs that talk about being grateful for the life they have and coming back strong from setbacks. 'Thank God I'm Alive' and 'Champion' are two singles from their upcoming EP set to release at the end of the year. We chat about the album, life in this season, and share some memories.

In a season where it seems like everything is a breeding ground for depression and anxiety, Matty Mullins shares his journey in overcoming these obstacles in his life. Although it was actually written years ago, his new single 'No Hold On Me' is a timely statement that only God frees us from any holds. We also chat about his life with Memphis May Fire and his On Point Pomade company.

Jeremy Camp's highly-anticipated biopic I Still Believe was set to hit theaters in late March of 2020 until the pandemic derailed those plans. In the middle of a season where all plans were changed, Jeremy and his wife Adrienne debuted a new worship song over Instagram and YouTube live. That song sparked a worship EP. In this episode, we talk about this EP and worship, along with memories of shows past.

As a part of this Next Big Thing episode, we have an exclusive premiere of a new song from up and coming artist Skye Reedy! After years on the road as background vocals for Mandisa and Michael W. Smith, Skye is following God's path into becoming a solo artist. Skye talks about her story before we premiere the song, which includes lessons learned from her time with Mandisa and her time leading worship at diverse inner-city churches in Florida. This time has also led her to a heart for diversity and unity.

In yet another example of how God can use anything to further his kingdom, an episode of Law and Order: SVU planted the seed for Natalie Grant to begin what has become an international organization to fight child trafficking that has saved many thousands of children. In this episode, Natalie talks about Hope for Justice International and the work they're doing across the globe. She also talks about praising through the storms of life and shares about the making of her latest album, No Stranger.

 

Natalie Grant's Lifeway Interview